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Gmail Accounts Targeted: Scammers Use AI to Hijack Your Account – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

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Recently, several fraudulent schemes have emerged involving Gmail, including phishing emails disguised as messages from your Google contacts. According to IT consultant Sam Mitrovic, a new scam targeting email accounts has come to light, where fraudsters utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to take over Gmail accounts.

The Gmail Account Attack: Exploiting AI Technology

Mitrovic himself became a victim of this sophisticated scam. Initially, he received an email in his Gmail inbox indicating that someone was attempting to recover his account. The email requested him to confirm that he had initiated the recovery process. Sensing something was off, he disregarded the email, only to receive a subsequent phone call shortly thereafter. The caller spoke with an American accent, even though the originating number appeared to be from Australia.

The individual on the other end introduced themselves and informed Mitrovic of suspicious activities linked to his Gmail account. They inquired whether he was currently traveling and logging in from locations outside the United States. When Mitrovic replied negatively, the caller claimed that someone had been attempting to access his Gmail account for over a week.

Red Flags During the Phone Call

Feeling increasingly uneasy about the authenticity of the caller, Mitrovic decided to search for the phone number that contacted him. To his surprise, he discovered that it was listed in Google’s official documentation as a legitimate support number. To ensure his safety, he asked the caller to send him an email. The caller agreed, and as Mitrovic listened, he could hear background noise typical of a call center, along with the sound of a keyboard typing. Soon after, he received the email, which heightened his suspicions.

Despite the email appearing official, there was a glaring inconsistency in the sender’s address: “googlemail@internalcasetracking.com.” This was not a recognized Google email address. While on the phone, Mitrovic sensed something was amiss when the caller repeatedly asked, “Hello?” as if they were confirming his presence on the line. This repetition sounded eerily identical to the first greeting, leading him to realize that he was likely conversing with an AI voice.

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Recognizing the Scam

Mitrovic promptly hung up, recognizing that he was dealing with an AI impersonating a legitimate caller. He speculated that such tactics were designed to make the scammers appear credible. Had he engaged further, he might have been persuaded to confirm the recovery email for his Gmail account, ultimately granting the fraudsters complete access to his virtual mailbox.

Best Practices for Online Security

Mitrovic emphasizes the importance of exercising caution, even when receiving calls or purported email confirmations. With the advancements in AI technology, many aspects of these scams can be automated rapidly. How can individuals protect themselves from such deceptions? For many accounts, simply logging in and checking recent access activity can reveal whether any unauthorized logins have occurred. If only your logins appear in the account history, claims of third-party access are likely false.

Additionally, it’s wise to terminate suspicious calls and independently contact the official support hotline. Rather than returning a call from a questionable number, search online for the correct support contact details. Genuine support representatives can confirm whether there are legitimate issues with your account, ensuring your email security remains intact.

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